After coming through the ranks at Arsenal and joining Bristol City, Cole was a then-club-record purchase of £1.75m in 1993 and was brought in by Kevin Keegan to firm up the Magpies’ promotion push to the recently-formed Premier League.
Cole duly obliged, scoring 12 goals in 12 appearances as Newcastle United romped to the 1992/93 First Division title.
If that was impressive, the following season would be even better as the hitman joined forces with Peter Beardsley in attack.
The two simply tormented Premier League defences, with Cole registering 34 league goals, part of a grand total of 41 in 46 games in all competitions.
The Magpies finished third in the top flight, with Cole being voted the PFA Young Player of the Year.
His form continued into the 1994/95 campaign, with 15 goals in 27 matches - including four goals in three UEFA Cup appearances.
Then a bolt from the blue. On 10th January 1995, it was announced that Cole had been sold to Manchester United for a British record fee, with Keith Gillespie heading in the opposite direction as part of the deal.
Cole ended his time at St. James’ Park with 68 goals in just 84 matches. His goals per game ratio of 81% is bettered only by Hughie Gallacher.